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Questions & answers about our Paulmann products

Answers to your most frequently asked questions

You would like to know, how to switch from halogen to LED? You can read about it here .

The URail rails in the lengths 0.10 m, 0.50 m, 1.00 m and 2.00 m must only be shortened by a qualified electrician, as unprofessional work could result in an electrocution risk during later operation.

NEW: URail cutting service: We will shorten your URail light rails for you in our in-house Paulmann workshop. Simply select the length you want during the order process.

Here you will find all the information you need on the topic of returns.

Find out more about the output of LED lamps here.

We offer a 5-year warranty on all Paulmann products. Lamps are excluded from this warranty. Statutory warranties apply.

Some LED lamps are specifically labelled as dimmable. LED lamps without this labelling cannot be dimmed.

LED technology now offers new and advanced dimming options that are pre-integrated into the lamps, e.g. 3-Step-Dimm and Easydimm. Additionally, there are LED lamps that can be controlled via remote control, smartphone or voice command.

Find out more about the topic of dimming here. 

Find out more about the topic of room illumination here: Advice/Indoor Lighting

Recessed Luminaires

Luminaires for outdoor installation should at least have spray-water protection (IP 23). Only lamps with protective glass may be used. Due to the risk of moisture penetration, we recommend using galvanised aluminium or plastic recessed luminaires outdoors. In general, aluminium-zinc luminaires are the most corrosion-resistant. In coastal areas, the salty air may cause a deposit build-up, which can be removed with standard cleaning agents.

One of the connections after the first luminaire is causing a short circuit. Make sure the cable has not been pierced by a nail or screw. Check all the connection points again. 

Recessed luminaires can be used in bathrooms. However, only lamps with a protective glass cover should be used. There are special die-cast zinc-aluminium luminaires (corrosion-resistant) for damp rooms.
The most important aspect, however is choosing the right IP protection. For more information on IP protection classes, click here.

Recessed furniture luminaires need the same kind of continuous cavity as any other recessed luminaire. There are some recessed wall luminaires that do not require a continuous cavity and can be used in cavity wall boxes or device cavities. 

All electrical transformers have a power feedback control or a temperature switch, i.e. they switch off safely when a certain amount of heat is generated and switch on again when they have cooled down. If this happens, you should make sure the luminaire has no contact with the insulation material causing heat to build up and that there is an unobstructed, ventilated cavity. 

A minimum installation height for each recessed luminaire type is indicated on the packaging of the set. An insufficient suspension of the ceiling will lead to the following problem: With its height and width, the transformer may fit through the mounting hole. Due to its length, however, the transformer will get stuck when inserted into the hole. The transformer must be installed elsewhere, but make sure to keep it accessible. Our range includes special round transformers for easy installation in suspended ceilings.

Disc 70: Diameter = 53 mm H = 22 mm

Disc 105: Diameter = 71 mm H = 22 mm

Transformers: General

For more info on the topic of dimming, click here.

For more info on the topic of dimming, click here.

A load higher than recommended will cause the transformer to overheat. This might trigger the thermal breaker or thermal fuse. Transformers with a thermal fuse will then be defective.

Applying a smaller load than recommended will not affect the transformer. The minimum load on conventional transformers should not be below 75% when operated with halogen lamps. The output voltage would otherwise build up too quickly, reducing the service life of the lamp.

The minimum load for electronic halogen transformers is lower, as the output voltage does not increase that much. For example: 20 W min. load for 70 VA transformers, 35 W for 105 VA, 50 W for 150 VA. Always comply with manufacturer requirements!

An overvoltage of just 5% can reduce the service life of the lamps by 50%. It is therefore recommended to maintain 100% transformer capacity to achieve the longest possible service life.

Dimming

Dimmers work like fast electronic switches. That means, a dimmer switches off the lamp/luminaire for very short periods of time. These On/Off processes cause abrupt changes in the magnetic field of conventional transformers. These changes in the magnetic field causes the transformer windings to vibrate, which can be amplified particularly by wood ceilings.

A slight loosening of the fixing screws can help reduce that effect. Alternatively, you could place a rubber profile between the transformer and the ceiling. That will also help reduce vibration.

In the online shop, you will always find the dim icon displayed with relevant lamps or luminaires. Information about the dimming feature will also be included in the product details or in the "Technical Data" tab.

In Paulmann catalogues or on packaging, dimmable products are relevantly labelled with the dim icon.

Any installation must have a dimmer to match the lamps and/or luminaires. All Paulmann transformers (230/12 V AC) are dimmable.

  • For LED lamps, you will need either a leading-edge dimmer or a trailing edge dimmer.
  • Halogen 12 V lamps with electronic transformer usually operate with a trailing-edge dimmer, while halogen 12 V lamps with a conventional transformer usually operate with a leading-edge dimmer.
  • 230 V halogen lamps can be dimmed with any dimmer.

The three letters "R", "L", "C" or a combination thereof denote dimmers and electronic transformers. You have made the right combination choice for transformer, dimmer and lamp if their relevant letters match.

If you dim your halogen lamps frequently, you should make sure to switch to full brightness from time to time to re-stimulate the halogen cycle in the lamps and ensure a maximum service life.

Mains voltage halogen and low-voltage lamps, as well as incandescent light bulbs can be easily dimmed.

LED lamps and LED luminaires can be dimmed if they are specifically designed for it and labelled accordingly. There are also some dimming technologies that are directly integrated in the lamps – these include Zigbee, 3-Step-Dimm and Easydimm.

The dimming feature has not been widely adopted for energy-saving lamps.

Your lamp or luminaire is either not dimmable or  you may have selected an incompatible dimmer technology (leading/trailing-edge dimmer). That could have a number of reasons.

The dimming technology you selected may be incompatible with the switch, e.g. a 3-Step-Dimm lamp, which does NOT respond to a wall-mounted dimmer switch.

You should also check if the product is a Smart Home component, which will only respond to smart dimming commands.

Some dimmer manufacturers now also offer special LED dimmers. These are leading or trailing-edge dimmers with a very low minimum load range.

Smart Home: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Paulmann offers an extensive range of controllers and plug adapters for easy retrofitting of existing light installations and luminaires with europlugs to allow Bluetooth control. You could also consider replacing the lamps.

In addition to Paulmann products, your Zigbee system also allows the integration of lamps and luminaires from other manufacturers.

You will need a smartphone with at least Android 8 or iOS 13 operating system and Bluetooth 4.0 to control Paulmann BLE products. The app is optimised for smartphones. 

The maximum range between smartphone or remote control and the luminaire is 25 metres line of sight, and is limited by walls and other structures.

Paulmann offers an extensive range of controllers that allow existing lighting installations and luminaires to be controlled by Bluetooth. For dimmable luminaires, please note the dimming properties supported.

The maximum range between smartphone or remote control and the luminaire is 25 metres line of sight, and is limited by walls and other structures.

Lamps

Residual or afterglow of LED lamps:

Parallel cables inside your walls act like a capacitor. Capacitors conduct AC voltage. The amount of transmitted energy depends on the size of the capacitor. The same capacitor effect is used in some types of LED lamps to reduce mains voltage.

However, capacitors created as a result of parallel cables within walls only transmit minimal amounts of energy, which are neither dangerous nor registered by electric meters. The minimal energy consumption of some LED lamps may cause a dim glow. Simply mount a regular incandescent lamp in the electric circuit to see, whether the glow is actually the result of cable capacity. The glow will disappear where that is the case.

These minimal amounts of energy are also transmitted in regular lamps, but will not be visible due to the low coil resistance of the lamp.

Some LED lamps are specifically labelled as dimmable. LED lamps without this labelling cannot be dimmed.

LED technology now offers new and advanced dimming options that are pre-integrated into the lamps, e.g. 3-Step-Dimm and Easydimm. Additionally, there are LED lamps that can be controlled via remote control, smartphone or voice command.

Find out more about the topic of dimming here. 

Yes for "GU in GZ", no for "GZ in GU". GZ lamps emit heat to the back and can cause luminaires to overheat. That is why temperature-sensitive luminaires are equipped with GU fittings that make it impossible to install GZ lamps. 

We offer a 5-year warranty on all Paulmann products. Lamps are excluded from this warranty. 

Smart Home: ZigBee & Smart Friends System

Paulmann Zigbee lamps and luminaires are compatible with Zigbee 3.0 gateways of other manufacturers. As a rule, Zigbee remote controls from other manufacturers can also be used.

Remote Home is a paid service available via the Smart Friends app. This service allows you to access your Zigbee devices at home via your smartphone or tablet while you are away.

Yes, tap “OK” and continue. Please let us know if the message starts appearing frequently.

Make sure that the Paulmann lamps and luminaires are within range of the Smart Friends Box or another Smart Friends-ready Paulmann lamp or luminaire. You can optimise the range by simply adding more lamps or luminaires along the route towards the product that cannot be reached, or by reducing the distance between the devices or between the product and the Smart Friends Box.
It may also be useful to optimise the position of the Smart Friends Box, for example by not placing it on the floor (a height of approx. 1 m is ideal).

Please note that the Bluetooth range can be significantly reduced by obstacles like metal objects, insulation foil with metal coating, metallic tubing in underfloor heating systems, reinforced concrete or metal door frames and doors. Where these are present, you can position your Paulmann products in such a way as to circumvent these obstacles.

Please wait about 1-3 minutes for the Zigbee Mesh network to re-establish itself after products were repositioned.

The Zigbee product integration with our Smart Friends Box is currently still in its Beta phase. Please send us your feedback in case of additional issues.

The Range between two Zigbee products is 50 metres line of sight. The mesh capability (every product is both sender and receiver) increases the system range product by product, which means that greater distances can be bridged.

Delayed feedback may be a sign of too much distance between Paulmann lamps and luminaires or between them and the Smart Friends Box. Reduce the distance between the products and/or the Smart Friends Box, or place an additional Paulmann product between them to bridge the distance.
The display of the switching command also depends on the mobile device used. The switching or display behaviour may vary depending on the manufacturer and version of the operating system (Android or iOs/Apple). In particular, slider commands are not implemented continuously; only the selected end value is transmitted.

Yes, tap “OK” and continue. Please let us know if the message starts appearing frequently.

Check that your Smart Friends Box has the latest firmware version installed (3.4.17 or higher is required). Go to “Settings – System – System information – Smart Friends Box”. The version currently installed on your Smart Friends Box will be displayed. You will need to update the firmware if the version is older. The update will download and install automatically, when you connect the Smart Friends Box to the Internet. Alternatively, you can update the Smart Friends Box manually using a USB stick. You will probably also need to update the app (version 2.10.5 or higher) in that case. In case of an update, your stored configuration will remain unchanged.
Also: please don't forget that Paulmann lamps and luminaires must be in their factory setting to allow pairing. If, for example, the devices have previously been controlled by a remote control, they must first be reset to the factory settings before they can be paired with the Smart Friends Box. Please follow the instructions for use of your devices. It will usually suffice to switch the device off and on 5 times in succession to reset the device.
If the devices still cannot be paired with the Smart Friends Box, check whether the range of paired Paulmann devices or of the Smart Friends Box has to be reduced.

The gateway, i.e. the Smart Friends Box, is the basis for the system. The smartphone or tablet PC you want to use for controlling the Smart Friends Box must fulfil the following requirements:
  • Apple iOS from version iOS8 or Android version 4.4 or higher
  • WLAN connection to the home network via the local router is established
  • Smart Friends app is installed

The Smart Friends Box cannot be detected automatically during initial setup if it is not connected to the Internet. Try to establish Internet access to download the latest updates and to allow the app to find the Smart Friends Box.
You may want to cancel the automatic search if the home network is functioning under changed IP address ranges (these would usually be e.g. 192.168.1.xxx). Select “Manual setup” and enter the IP address you have set for your router and the server name “SmartFriendsBox”.

Yes. In addition to Paulmann products, the Zigbee system also allows the integration of lamps and luminaires from other manufacturers.

Transformers: Electronic

 The light begins to flicker or goes out completely. The reason: A self-protection function that deactivates the transformer when idling.

This cable length is a legal requirement to prevent interference with other devices. The following problems occur with greater cable lengths:

RF interference increases, as low-voltage cables act like transmitting antennas (transformer operates in high frequency range).

With high operating frequencies, the so-called SKINEFFECT appears. That means that the full cross-section of the cable is no longer available for power transmission. More of the current is forced into the outer areas – the skin – of the cable. Less current flows through the middle of the cable. Longer cable lengths therefore cause a disproportionate voltage drop, dimming the light significantly. With star-shaped wiring (transformer in the centre), 4 metres of cable can be supplied. You will have to use a conventional 50 Hz transformer instead if that is insufficient.

The maximum cable length for electronic transformers is limited to 2.10 m. The following issues can appear with longer cable lengths:

1. Increased RF interference, as the cable acts as a transmitting antenna (the transformer operates in the high frequency range)

2. Skin effect – i.e. the full cross-section of the cable is no longer available for power transmission. The current is forced into the outer areas of the cable (the "skin"). Less current flows through the middle of the cable and the light dims significantly.

The transformer performs a soft start. The converter "recognises" an increase in start-up current and counters it by means of short-circuit current limitation, or in other words, the switch-on power is limited, but not to zero. The remaining switch-on power is sufficient to warm up the filament of the lamps. The short-circuit current limitation is continuously phased down until the full brightness is reached. This start behaviour has a positive effect on the service life of the lamp.

Too much of a delay may be caused by an overload of the electronic converter (transformer).

The soft start of electronic transformers by Paulmann should not take longer than 1.5 seconds.

The two primary connectors are connected in parallel inside the transformer. If, for instance, two transformers are connected to a ceiling outlet, one of the transformers can be directly connected and the second transformer can be supplied from the second primary terminal.

LED Strips

YourLED Strips (12 V DC) are coated LED strips for decorative lighting that can also be used in wet rooms. The uncoated YourLED Eco Strips (12 V DC) are perfect for extended routing. YourLED Strips are coated LED strips for decorative lighting that can also be used in wet rooms. The uncoated YourLED Eco Strips (12 V DC) are perfect for extended routing.

MaxLED Strips (24 V DC) are the perfect choice for area and room lighting. They too come with or without coating. The output of one metre of MaxLED 500 is similar to a 40 W light bulb. One metre of MaxLED 1000 is as bright as a 75 W light bulb.

Check that the dim/switch controller is correctly connected to the LED Strip. Here you will find installation tips for YourLED and MaxLED.

No problem! The strips are flexible and will easily bend around any corner. Please be careful not to actually kink the strips, as you might break the small copper conductors inside them. Please refer back to the installation instructions.

You have two options for controlling the LED strips via app.

Depending of the type of strip you have chosen, you will need a BLE Controller and the Paulmann Home app for control via Bluetooth. Have a look at our advice section for more information about lighting control via Bluetooth and the app download link.

You will need a Zigbee controller and a gateway with the right app if you want to integrate the strips with other systems and devices in your home into one networked system. Here you will find out more about Zigbee light and Smart Home control, the gateway and the app.

It is important to get the polarity right when connecting RGB strips with the RGB controller. If the LED Strip doesn’t react to control commands and only lights up in one colour, then the polarity of the two connected components does not match. Separate the plug connection, turn the LED strip around and plug in the other end.

These sets cannot be extended and you must only use the components included in the delivery.

Longer routes can be controlled without any problem if you connect an amplifier to each transformer to boost the switching signal. For RF control you will simply need more controllers that will have to be matched. You will find amplifiers and more in the accessories range.

LEDs are always manufactured in batches. Slight variations in the light colour of the LEDs may occur from one batch to another – these are the so-called binning tolerances.

All YourLED and MaxLED Strips come with matching 4 or 5-pin plugs, which you will need for connecting two uncut strips or for connecting accessories. You will need additional connectors to bridges differences in height and longer distances between two components or for shortened LED Strips. You will find these under "Accessories".

That depends on the type of YourLED Strips and the transformer you want to use.

URail Rail System

The rails of the URail system are designed for ceiling or wall installation. They can also be mounted on slanted ceilings at an angle of up to 45°.

 Yes, an L connector allows you to make a turn either to the left or right.

 Yes, the T-connector allows you to branch off to the left and right.

The 0.5 m rail has 2 attachment points for suspensions. The 1.0 m rail has 2 attachment points for suspensions. The 2.0 m rail has 5 attachment points for the suspensions. 3 suspensions will, however, suffice.

The URail rails in the lengths 0.10 m, 0.50 m, 1.00 m and 2.00 m may only be shortened by a qualified electrician, since this work involves the risk of an electric shock. Alternatively, you could use our free URail cutting service: We will cut the rails of your URail system free of charge to your specifications in our in-house Paulmann workshop. Simply select the length you want during the order process.

The rails of the URail system are designed for ceiling installation. They can also be mounted to slants of up to 45°.

The 0.5 m rail has 2 attachment points for suspensions. The 1.0 m rail has 2 attachment points for suspensions. The 2.0 m rail has 3 attachment points for suspensions. 

Yes, an L connector allows you to make a turn either to the left or right. 

The URail rails in the lengths 0.10 m, 0.50 m, 1.00 m and 2.00 m must only be shortened by a qualified electrician, as unprofessional work could result in an electrocution risk during later operation. NEW: URail cutting service: We will shorten your URail light rails for you in our in-house Paulmann workshop. Simply select the length you want during the order process.

Yes, the T-connector allows you to branch off either to the left or right. 

Indoor Luminaires

Due to their packaging situation, the cables may not hang straight after the installation of the luminaire. Use a hair dryer to heat the cable to get rid of any deformation. Once the cable is warm, it can be straightened correctly.

This is a clear sign of an installation error. In the 12 V area, current flows are particularly high. Therefore, all contact points must fit nice and firm (regular checks are sensible). If they don’t, this lack of power contact leads to considerable transition resistance which causes great heat at these transition points. Many customers forget to tighten the screws when changing lamps or adjusting the beam direction. 

Transformers: Conventional

The fuse class is always indicated next to the fuse. If a wrong type of fuse is in use, the start-up peak can trip the fuse.  The switching behaviour of the microfuse must be "time-delayed" (e.g. T 1.6 A). Fuses designated M, MT or F must therefore not be used, as these will fail quickly.

Cable Systems

Find out more about the brightness of LED lamps here.

Our halogen cable systems come equipped with conventional transformers. These can be retrofitted for LED easily, without having to consider minimum loads. Our LEDs are designed for higher voltages.  Here you can find out more.

Transformers: LED

Various types of ballast can be used for the operation of LED light sources.

LED transformer
These are conventional, metal-core transformers that output an alternating current (AC) of 12 V. They are compatible with all types of 12 V retrofit lamps (replaceable lamps with standard fittings and a design similar to 12 V halogen lamps).

LED power supply DC
These ballasts output 12 v of direct current (DC) and are suitable for use with luminaires with permanently fixed lamps, which are explicitly designated for operation with 12 V DC on their type plate.

LED driver
These ballasts output a constant current of 350 or 700 milliamperes (mA) (depending on the model) at a varying voltage (V). LED drivers are used for luminaires with permanently fixed lamps, which are explicitly designated as suitable for operation with constant current on their type plate.

Paulmann LEDs are retrofit lamps. That means that no special ballasts are needed, provided that the overall power consumption of the lamps used lies within the power range of the transformer.


Your question could not be answered? Then simply write to us via the contact form.